Manchester College is taking Shakespeare’s celebrated play, Much Ado About Nothing, to the mall May 11-13 -- to the grassy mall in the core of the North Manchester campus.

“Bring a blanket, and even a picnic, or arrive early to reserve chair seating,” says Jane Frazier, theatre director. The performances at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 11-12 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 are free. Reservations are unnecessary.

The play is a true community production, with area youth and other thespians joining the college students on the outdoor stage to perform The Bard’s intertwining love stories of misunderstandings and mishaps. The play is often performed outdoors, when weather permits.

“It’s a really fun production to be a part of, especially since we’re performing outside,” says Daniel Myers-Bowman, senior music major from Manhattan, Kan. He takes the lead male role of the sarcastic bachelor Benedick. “The big challenge as an actor is getting the hang of the original Shakespearian diction. Some of the language is pretty difficult.”

Dare it rain, the production will move into Wampler Auditorium, on the west end of the Administration Building, on College Avenue.